Today we docked in the coastal city of Toulon in France. It has been a port city since the 2nd century BC when the Romans used the bay off of the Mediterranean as a strategic port for their ships. The Toulon Bay is protected with an entrance with overlapping peninsulas which break the wind and waves of the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1589, the French King Henry IV built a fortress to protect the port and it became the home of the French navy.
During World War II, the coastal area was a prime location valued both by the Allies and the German forces. In 1942, when the Germans overtook the region, the French scuttled (purposely sank) their fleet of 75 warships to prevent surrendering then to the Germans in spectacular fashion in what is called The Pride of France. In 1944, when the Allies overtook the area, many of the structures in the city were bombed and destroyed, so much of the old town area has been replaced.
Today, it is still the home of the French navy on the Mediterranean Sea and includes both a wet and dry dock. Currently, the only French aircraft carrier is in dry dock being upgraded.
While we were in port today, I was able to take a tour of the bridge of the ship. Below is the main control panel with the radar and captain's seat.
The view of the front of the ship from the bridge, located on the sixth deck.
I got to sit in the captain's chair! No worries....the ship was not moving. But they do have autopilot, so...hmmm? :)
No comments:
Post a Comment